Liberty rookie admits she is ‘still learning’ the rules after crucial mistake leads to loss

May 12, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Fire guard Haley Jones (30) sits on the court during the second half after a timeout is called with teammate guard Pauline Astier (18) during a game against the Portland Fire at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images

The Portland Fire snagged its first franchise win since returning to the WNBA  in dramatic fashion after Sarah Ashlee Barker’s put-back bucket lifted Portland over the title-favorite New York Liberty as time expired.

After the game, Ashlee Barker talked about how important the moment was for her.

“I’ll be honest, it’s been an emotional 24 hours. I lost somebody who was important to me yesterday. And so tonight was God’s strength not mine. So just perfect ending,” she said.

As great a moment as it was for Ashlee Barker, one of the Liberty’s leading contributors faltering in the biggest moment of the game led to her opportunity. Rookie Pauline Astier, who has already inserted herself into rookie of the year talks, was whistled for an offensive three-second call as Breanna Stewart was bringing the ball down in a tie game. The turnover led to the possession in which Ashlee Barker sealed the win.

After the game, Astier, who is from France, was honest about her mistake.

“Still learning. Yes, it’s my first year, so next game, I will not do this mistake for sure. It’s the first time and will never happen again. I’m still learning,” she said, via Liberty reporter Madeline Kelly.

After the game, Liberty head coach Chris DeMarco refused to pin the loss on his standout rookie, who still scored an impressive 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting.